By VICKIE JAMBON

Staff Reporter

JEFFERSON PARISH – A LaPlace man, previously arrested for allegedly fondling and improperly photographing a 6-year-old girl, was indicted Thursday by a Jefferson Parish grand jury on one count of aggravated rape, 28 counts of possessing child pornography and two counts sexual battery.

Richard Bartholomew, 37, of 2212 Williamsburg Drive may now be tried for a potential life or death sentence, said David Wolff, assistant district attorney for Jefferson Parish.

According to Wolff, the grand jury heard testimony presented by the prosecution and decided the unrefuted evidence is sufficient to sustain a conviction.

Bartholomew was arrested on Sept. 2 by the Kenner Police Dept. and booked into the Jefferson Parish Correction Center.

After Kenner authorities executed a search warrant, they found sexually explicit photographs and placed additional charges on Bartholomew.

Bartholemew will plead in an upcoming arraignment.

The matter will be set for motion in a scheduled hearing and will then be brought to trial.

According to Kenner authorities, the 6-year-old girl is the only victim involved.